Heilige Franciscus op het ogenblik van de stigmatisatie 1569 - 1613

Curator: Standing before us is Cigoli's drawing, "Heilige Franciscus op het ogenblik van de stigmatisatie"—"Saint Francis at the Moment of Stigmatization," created sometime between 1569 and 1613, using pencil. It’s a study, a preparation perhaps, for a larger work depicting this profound moment. Editor: Immediately, I’m struck by the vulnerability it portrays. It’s not the triumphant ecstasy I might expect; there’s a subtle yearning etched into his face, a fragility emphasized by the sketchy lines of the drawing itself. Curator: Absolutely. The loose lines contribute to that raw emotional feel. We’re not presented with a polished finished piece, but rather a glimpse into Cigoli's artistic process, and in turn, a more intimate encounter with the saint. St. Francis was an incredibly popular figure, embodying themes of poverty, devotion, and a direct relationship with the divine. Editor: And you can see how Cigoli plays with that divine connection here. The upturned gaze, the almost pleading hands, create a tangible sense of reaching out, of receiving. The rosary hanging down is rendered with particular attention. Curator: The details matter. The Franciscan order placed significant emphasis on simplicity and devotion to Christ’s Passion, so that rosary, the rough habit, these are signifiers intended to reinforce the ideals of Franciscanism. Think about the institutional patronage at the time; it's unlikely a work like this would exist without that sort of support, pushing those agendas forward. Editor: Which almost makes the vulnerability all the more poignant. He's representing an ideal, a religious doctrine. But simultaneously, in this fleeting moment, there is humanity. It transcends pure religious symbolism for me. I like how the angel's face appears subtly in the upper background; almost an afterthought. Curator: The quick sketches lend a dreamlike quality. In this state, Francis doesn't feel heroic. The sketch leaves room for ambiguity, prompting the viewer to reflect on Francis's devotion as the impetus for an intense experience. Editor: It makes you wonder, doesn't it, what compelled Cigoli to capture this moment with such… intentional rawness? It has staying power, the emotional resonance, it’s a captivating work of art, irrespective of the belief systems at play. Curator: Precisely. Whether viewed through the lens of faith, art history, or purely personal emotion, Cigoli's drawing leaves an undeniable mark.